VIENTIANE (Xinhua): The annual That Luang festival, taking place in the Lao capital Vientiane until Monday was organised on a grander scale than previous years as it coincided with the official launch of tourism promotion campaign Visit Laos Year 2024.
The Visit Laos Year 2024, kicked off on Thursday, is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere for economic stimulation. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone told the opening ceremony that the government views it as a crucial and meaningful event, especially after the tourism industry was crushed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket said, "Visit Laos Year 2024 is one of the most important events in Laos. Apart from promoting tourism, it aims to conserve the country's arts, culture and traditions as well as inform visitors about Laos' long history and the sustainable use of its natural resources."
The Lao government expects to welcome at least 2.7 million foreign tourists next year and generate about 401 million U.S. dollars in revenue, while in 2025, tourist arrivals are forecast to reach 2.9 million and generate an income of 434 million U.S. dollars.
The That Luang festival featured more than 1,200 stalls, which were set up on the esplanade to sell agricultural produce, handicrafts and manufactured goods from provinces around the country.
The pavilion, a major highlight of the festival, displayed model products and services available in the Lao capital with the aim of reaching a wider audience for Lao-made products, according to President of the Vientiane Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sangkhom Chansouk.
Also among the special features of the festival were stage performances and a singing contest, while goods from countries such as Vietnam, China and Thailand are also on display and sale.
The That Luang festival is one of the most important religious festivals in Laos, observed by Lao people from all over the Southeast Asian country. Its main religious activities include traditional wax castle procession and almsgiving. - Xinhua
